Know Direction Network

Latest Episodes:

Know Direction 305: We’re Back Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Ryan returns as host of a new era of the Know Direction podcast. After talking about what’s been going on with the podcast and what to expect from its future, he speaks with Luis Loza about the latest hardcover for the Lost Omens line, Shining Kingdoms.

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Know Direction Beyond 100: Starfinder 2e Player Core Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

The stars aligned for this one! Alex and James go cover-to-cover with the new Starfinder 2e Player Core for the 100th episode of Know Direction Beyond!

Recorded live on Twitch.

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Game Design Unboxed 123: Art Society Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In episode 123 of Game Design Unboxed, we chat with game designer Mitch Wallace about how a wide range of hobbies and a YouTube rabbit hole led him into game design. He shares how his curiosity sparked idea after idea, and how the original concept for Art Society evolved through rounds of feedback to find a balance that’s not too much or too little, but justtttt right.

We explore the power of the two-sentence “elevator” pitch when approaching publishers, the importance of aligning game mechanics with theme, and how playing a wide variety of games can elevate your design skills. Mitch also talks about learning to reset, rethink, and refine your ideas, being open to feedback, and staying confident in finding the right publishing fit.

We also touch on using inserts as part of the gameplay (not only to organize), multipurpose components, the suspense of waiting for your game as publishers get it to influencers and reviewers first, the joy of a convention launch, and the challenge of coming up with tiebreakers.

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Featuring:

Mitch Wallace – Guest
Danielle Reynolds – Host

Upshift 49: Learning From The Best Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Charles’ mind has been swirling ever since he heard about Learned From The Best, a new General Perk for the Essence20 in G.I. JOE Roleplaying Game: Hawk’s Personnel Files that lets players access Perks for Threat. He challenged himself and Ryan to see just how much character customizability and storytelling potential one Perk can hold.

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Featuring Letter From Snake Eyes part 4, generously provided by Wordburglar. Check it and other amazing 80s-inspired out at Wordburglar.com.

Although the host works for Renegade Game Studios, this podcast and the network that hosts it are not affiliated with Renegade Game Studios.

Video

Digital Divination 143 – Top 3 Things from Starfinder GM Core Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Jason, John, and Ron talk about 3 things they really like about the Starfinder 2 GM Core.

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Intrepid Heroes 166 – The Meet (Murder in Metal City Session 1) Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

A strange message beckons six strangers to Striving, an expansive megaplex city on Aballon, the planet of Machines. There, they gather in a neon-lit cafe, surrounded by androids and robots, to meet an old friend. The bartender brings them refreshments—and a holographic recording from their mutual acquaintance.

“Greetings, friends! If you’re watching this, it’s because I’ve experienced an unexpected shutdown—in organic terms, I’m dead.”

Join our Intrepid Heroes as they solve the mystery of the Murder in Metal City!

Cast:
Jason Keeley – GM
Alex Speidel – Patsy Van Dyne
Isis Wozniakowska – Voss Seltee
Jocelyn Hamilton – Together in Electric Dreams (Dreams)
John Godek – Xabi Fraglorious
Rue Dickey – Whose Boughs Are Lit Within (Bough)
Tim Nightengale – Dexter Rayne

Starfinder 2nd Edition Actual Play Podcast

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Game Design Unboxed 122: License to Krill Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In episode 122 of Game Design Unboxed: Inspiration to Publication, we talk with owner of MaKa Games and designer of License to Krill, Matthew Kambic, about how a pun inspired his debut game — and how he brought it to life with a custom plushie component.

Matthew shares how his engineering background, early love of games, and deep dive into research (contrary to popular belief, he’s not a marine biologist!) helped shape the project. We talk about the trials and tribulations of manufacturing, Kickstarter strategies, building crowdfunding communities through comments, and the importance of critical but constructive feedback from playtesters outside your inner circle.

We also discuss the details of the surprisingly complex manufacturing process behind the plushie (including some unusual state-specific laws!), the importance of building strong vendor relationships, and the financial realities of quantity pricing and investment.

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Featuring:

Matthew Kambic – Guest

Danielle Reynolds – Host

Upshift 048: Behind Essential Builds (fixed) Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Ryan writes a blog about building elaborate Essence20 characters. Charles needs a new character for a G.I. JOE RPG campaign. Together, they solve crimes.